[Mr. Mojo]

The critics did indeed hate Zep early on, but they changed their tune after Zep 4 (with the huge hit "Stairway"). Zep 3 was not only pooh-poohed by the critics, but most hardcore Zep fans didn't even like it. I think it's one of the greatest albums in the history of the genre, and it's the one album of theirs I still never tire of listening to.

I had just started to play guitar when I saw them in '77, so I was all set to fix my attention almost exclusively on Page during the show. That lasted for about 3 to 4 songs, after which my attention was inexorably drawn to Bonham. A musician who exuded more power there never was, at least none that I've seen. Tone, power, technique, timing, ....gravitas (I hesitate to say) ....he had it all.

[wardaddy]

Yep...and Bonham was really just a down home English country boy...more at home in the midlands at a pub ...the Mudshark of mythology notwithstanding..lol

I saw them twice....once at the Cotton Bowl in 75 I think and the next year in Memphis at the Liberty Bowl...I think.

[WRhine]

I had just started to play guitar when I saw them in '77, so I was all set to fix my attention almost exclusively on Page during the show. That lasted for about 3 to 4 songs, after which my attention was inexorably drawn to Bonham. A musician who exuded more power there never was, at least none that I've seen. Tone, power, technique, timing, ....gravitas (I hesitate to say) ....he had it all.

Well said. Bonham was definately that. Just about every musician on the rock scene thought Bonham was in a class by himself. His sound was incredible and impossible to reproduce.